It was the best advice she’d gotten in a long time. Roxanne checked her mirrors and pulled onto the road, eager to get on the highway and forget all about this foolish adventure.
****
“Thanks for coming here rather than the office,” Ethan said, offering him a beer.
They were originally scheduled to meet at his complex, which was closer to his house and job site. Jonah rarely ventured into the city unless necessary. For Ethan? He always made concessions. He expected it to be just the two of them and was surprised to see T, Stone, and Bogs when he arrived.
After they’d gone over a few plans with Jonah giving his input on the construction, he intended to leave. The brothershad other plans. Jonah suspected it was a well thought out, planned ambush.
“So, you and Rox?” Bogs sipped his beer. “How’s that going?”
When Jonah didn’t answer immediately, Stone snorted, gaining his attention.
“We’re her brothers, man. You had to know this was coming?”
It was fair. Since their last conversation, he suspected it had more to do with him sharing his past than her brothers not approving.
“It’s good.”
“She gets along with the boys?” Bogs asked.
Jonah smirked. “She gets along with everybody.”
Jonah noticed Ethan smile and turn his head.
There was a long stretch of silence.
“Give any more thought to telling her about the past?” T had been fairly quiet until now. Jonah knew his thoughts on that topic.
For his part, Jonah had thought about it but hadn’t changed his mind. Divulging everything to Roxanne would mean letting his guard down completely and showing his darkest side.
“It’s not an option.” Jonah took a long swig and circled the couch but didn’t take a seat.
T stared back at him, making his disapproval known.
“You all made me a promise twelve years ago.” Jonah said.
“And we’ll keep it.” Ethan glanced over at T, who kept his gaze locked on Jonah. “No one will ever hear it from us, I can assure you.Weall can.”
T slowly dipped his chin.
The implications of that night would have them all under police suspicion. No one’s hands were clean.
Bogs stood, passing him. “Want another beer?”
He was about to decline when the door to the apartment swung open and heels clicked on the marble floor. Everyone looked over at the entrance as Emory rounded the wall. Her steps faltered, and a smile slowly emerged.
“Boys’ night? That’s so cute.” She chuckled, greeting the brothers and making a beeline for Ethan. She looped her arm around his waist, kissing him.
They were an odd match. Ethan was always so reserved compared to Emory’s outgoing and sometimes outrageous demeanor. Yet, they seemed to be perfect for each other. Emory turned in his arms, tossed her bag on the couch, and widened her eyes when she noticed Jonah.
“Oh, hi, Jonah.”
“Hey, Emory.”
“Where have you been?” Ethan asked, and Emory narrowed her gaze.
“What do you mean, where have I been? I told you about my plans last week, three days ago and this morning.” She raised her brows.
